Microorganisms and artificial ecosystems for the production of protein, food, and useful co-products from c1 substrates

Abstract

Microorganisms and bioprocesses are provided that convert gaseous C1 containing substrates, such as syngas, producer gas, and renewable H 2 combined with CO 2 , into nutritional and other useful bioproducts.

1 .- 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A composition comprising biomass of  Xanthobacter  microorganisms, wherein the biomass of  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprises protein in a quantity that is greater than 10% of the total biomass by weight. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprise  Xanthobacter autotrophicus  or  Xanthobacter flavus.    
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprise  Xanthobacter autotrophicus  strain DSM 431, DSM 432, DSM 1618, DSM 2267, or  Xanthobacter flavus  strain DSM 3874. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the quantity is greater than 60% of the total biomass by weight. 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the quantity is greater than 70% of the total biomass by weight. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the quantity is greater than 80% of the total biomass by weight. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass of the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprises essential amino acids. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass of the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprises lysine or methionine. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass of the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms further comprises a B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, B2, and B12. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass of the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprises fats or carbohydrates. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass of the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms comprises protoplasm or an extract of protoplasm. 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the composition does not comprise cell mass, biomass, or organic molecules of a photosynthetic organism. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the composition does not comprise gossypol, glucosinolates, saponins, or trypsin inhibitors. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the protein is single cell protein. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass is dried. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 50 , wherein the biomass is drum dried, spray dried, freeze dried, or vacuum dried. 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass comprises cells of the  Xanthobacter  microorganisms. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass comprises one or more vitamins. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass has a density of 14 grams per liter to 38 grams per liter. 
     
     
         55 . The composition of  claim 36 , wherein the biomass has a density of above 40 grams per liter.